Fuel INjected In-house: Pre-vet What You Present

Four Cs to Appraise Your Pitch.

by Sam Harrison

You and your team have generated a great idea and are preparing a presentation for decision makers. So before placing your idea’s life on the line, how do you step back and evaluate the planned pitch’s effectiveness?

Try overlaying four Cs and answering these questions:

CONTENT

Is your presentation well researched? Does it explain how the idea meets decision makers’ needs, interests and objectives? Does it effectively demonstrate the idea’s value to decision makers, end users and other stakeholders? Does it address financial, operational and logistical issues? Is the content complete, yet concise?

CLARITY

Does the pitch avoid backtracks, dead ends and detours? Will it connect with decision makers at their level? Does it have design, printing or technical jargon that might not be familiar to the audience? Does it clearly explain key elements of the idea? Does it edit and clarify background and research leading up to the idea? Does it answer potential questions and address likely objections in the minds of decision makers?

CREATIVITY

Is the presentation interesting, energetic and compelling? Does it have a strong opening and close? Does it contain an appropriate amount of showmanship and storytelling? Does it showcase the idea’s originality and value?

CRAFT

Is the presentation well organized? Does it have a beginning, middle and end? Does it have a logical, inviting flow? Are supporting visuals eye-catching, easy-to-grasp and appropriate for the audience? Have you practiced delivery again and again? Have you received feedback from an objective audience and made necessary modifications?

Sam Harrison provides talks and workshops on selling ideas and presentation skills, as well as on other creativity-related topics. He’s the author of “IdeaSelling: Successfully pitch your great ideas to bosses, clients and other decision makers,” “IdeaSpotting: How to find your next great idea” and “Zing! Five steps and 101 tips for creativity on command.” Find Sam at www.zingzone.com